Christine Laronga1, Jaime D Lewis, Paul D Smith. 1. Comprehensive Breast Program, Department of Women's Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Christine.Laronga@moffitt.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The history of surgical treatment of breast cancer is rich with contributions from many surgeons over the centuries. Among the recent advances in technique is the nipple-sparing mastectomy, which reflects the emerging focus on cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: We took a backward glance at the literature illustrating the evolution of surgical management of breast cancer, culminating with nipple-sparing mastectomy. The growing clinical data with nipple-sparing mastectomy are explored. RESULTS: The demand for nipple-sparing mastectomy has been steadily increasing at many institutions. Based on the clinical data reported, nipple-sparing mastectomy is an oncologically safe procedure for selected women who have or are at high risk for breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: For women facing mastectomy and their surgeons, the optimal aesthetic result centers on preservation of the nipple. However, nipple-sparing mastectomy is technically challenging, with long-term safety not yet confirmed. Evidence-based data are needed to document local tumor recurrence, distant metastasis, cosmetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and procedural complications.
BACKGROUND: The history of surgical treatment of breast cancer is rich with contributions from many surgeons over the centuries. Among the recent advances in technique is the nipple-sparing mastectomy, which reflects the emerging focus on cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: We took a backward glance at the literature illustrating the evolution of surgical management of breast cancer, culminating with nipple-sparing mastectomy. The growing clinical data with nipple-sparing mastectomy are explored. RESULTS: The demand for nipple-sparing mastectomy has been steadily increasing at many institutions. Based on the clinical data reported, nipple-sparing mastectomy is an oncologically safe procedure for selected women who have or are at high risk for breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: For women facing mastectomy and their surgeons, the optimal aesthetic result centers on preservation of the nipple. However, nipple-sparing mastectomy is technically challenging, with long-term safety not yet confirmed. Evidence-based data are needed to document local tumor recurrence, distant metastasis, cosmetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and procedural complications.